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Terrorist group Sendero Luminoso bombs Peru convoy, kills 19

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

According to preliminary military reports, a group of subversives belonging to the narco-terrorist group Sendero Luminoso left nineteen people dead and a group of women and children injured in one of Peru's central regions after they attacked an Army convoy.

The bomb attack took place in Tayacaja, a province in the highland region of Huancavelica, at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening, said the Andean country's Armed Forces.

The group of anti-terrorists soldiers was ambushed in their trucks while on their way to a base in Cochabamba Grande, said a press release issued by the Peruvian military joint command.

The soldiers had just taken part in a flag raising ceremony during the celebration of the anniversary of Tintay Puncu, one of the sixteen districts in the province of Tayacaja.

As the soldiers returned to base, the group of terrorists detonated a bomb under a truck full of civilians and opened fire on the military convoy. The ambush turned into a shootout that lasted several hours between subversives and military soldiers.

Casualties include seven civilians and twelve members of the military command. Furthermore, it was reported that several women and children were injured.

Local media affirmed that this unfortunate event proved that Sendero Luminoso - defined as a narco-terrorist organization - was bloodthirsty and continued to shed the blood of innocent victims, not caring if they were women or children.

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# Peruvian in Miami says :
10 October, 2008 [ 15:24 ]

This report is so upsetting. Hopefully further investigation will find out who is really behind this act. Nevertheless, the Garcia administration could make matters worse if it intends to escalate this potential conflict by using the heavy-hand approach (also as a way to improve his political image).

The Peruvian congress needs to seriously address any growing discontent in the far rural regions if it wants to have control over a serious escalation.

# Mike says :
10 October, 2008 [ 15:35 ]

It is very upsetting.

Exactly how do you propose to respond; that would not heavy-handed?

# jb says :
10 October, 2008 [ 17:22 ]

The only response is being heavy handed.  This mafia, narco terrorist group needs to be wiped out. 

# Splaktar says :
10 October, 2008 [ 23:24 ]

But how many terrorists were killed??!?

# Jeff says :
11 October, 2008 [ 11:48 ]

1.      Any powerful leader, powerful group or powerful business in history can be made corrupt, selfish and forget the general common people, so they can fulfill their own selfish desires and wishes. These people get their power by keeping the people uniformed and disorganized. They combat the general people by being more informed and more organized.
Remember as you stand to fight this corruption, your own group can be later made corrupt by its own power.
The first line of defense against any corrupt power is the very openness of “Free Speech”, among all groups and organizations. Free Speech kills the power to manipulate others. People who lie in life, spend much of their time, trying to keep their lies hidden. Free speech kills lies and manipulation of the people.
Second, Democracy is where you have a group, who discusses the best ideas to solve a problem in a open -Free Speech- manner, representing the wishes of the general whole people.
Finally, Jesus said: “…Violence makes for more violence…” So, for the benefit of your cause and your people, protest yes, but protest in a non-violent way! Violence is the devil showing is ugly head. The people of Peru as a whole are strong!!! God bless the good people of Peru!

# mucho confundo says :
11 October, 2008 [ 14:17 ]

I think Garcia should invite the leaders of Sendero Luminoso to a nice Cebicheria and politely discuss their differences of opinion over a couple of cold Cusquena maltas.

# jeff says :
11 October, 2008 [ 14:31 ]

To "Mucho Confuno"... I understand you point. You use sarcasm to point the reality of situation. But still, violence just makes for more violence. Innocent people get hurt and killed in the process. Those who feel it necessary to promote violence to promote their point of view, will only be perceive by society as ugly monsters and the message they wish to share to the world will go unheard.

# Jeff says :
11 October, 2008 [ 18:32 ]

 If you think of an economy like a pyramid. The most blessed are at the top and the most helpless are at the bottom. We as Christians who are blessed, should help the helpless. If you raise the bottom of the pyramid,the foundation rises and so does the whole pyramid. The problems with most leaders or groups of leaders at the top of the pyramid, they are so focus, so selfish on themselves, the top of the pyramid grows and grows and becomes fat and wildly. Eventually the top of the pyamid becomes like a big fat head with a narror neck. But the neck can not support the head and snaps. Power corrupts and the head destroys its self. The structure colapses.
 The blessed Christians should always focus on the most helpless. To fight corruptions of power, always encourage free speech and elect leaders of the peoples wishes!

# mucho confundo says :
12 October, 2008 [ 17:17 ]

Jeff:

You are correct, I was using sarcasm. However, you offer no feasible solution in your reply. Absent the use of violence against the Sendero, how would you suggest the government of Peru respond?

# Peruvian in Miami says :
13 October, 2008 [ 13:42 ]

There are several ways to handle this possible escalation without the use of violence.

I had mentioned that congress address this issue because they represent an institution that is perceived differently than the administration. The point being that if the Peruvian government wishes to engage in some conflict resolution with a possible insurgent group, it should assign a more neutral body to present. The best scenario being a committee made up independent figures to confront possible insurgent groups.

In a nutshell, the acts committed thus far do not warrant further escalation of military options (not yet at least). The best solution is to confront any insurgent group inside Peru (such as Sendero Luminoso) within a political framework.

What are the costs of integrating SL into a legitimate political space? At this point, the cost could be little. If we escalate violence, the costs could be grave.

# mucho confundo says :
13 October, 2008 [ 15:13 ]

Dear P in M:

So basically, you are suggesting that 'congress' invite the Sendero Luminoso to dinner?

# Mike says :
13 October, 2008 [ 15:30 ]

I think that is a good bit of rubbish.  Reward terrorists with peace talks.  What a terrible idea.

If a group wants to go to an extreme in violence, then you must meet them on the field as they defined it.

# Peruvian in Miami says :
14 October, 2008 [ 11:51 ]

Mike,

If you view this as a "reward" then you leave no other alternative except a military solution. Fine, that's your opinion.

But, ask Peruvians if they would like other options, and I think the answer would be obvious. Increased spending in the military budget (for a country that is spent), and the potential of civilian targeting by a terrorist group is most likely the last and regrettable option.

The time to seize the chance for a possible political solution is at hand. The long-term benefits of integrating SL into the political system (with obvious conditions) could be productive. There's no reason to oppose the idea given the various political groups that already exist in Peru.

# jb says :
14 October, 2008 [ 11:59 ]

Peruvian in Miami:  There is no way that SL wants to legitimize itself into a recognized political party.  Why?  Because there's too much money in narco-trafficing.  This is no longer a "revolutionary movement".  It is a mafia business. 

# Peruvian in Miami says :
14 October, 2008 [ 12:10 ]

According to the article, there is still no evident indication that this was an act by SL.

If it was an insurgent group, then they have demands to be negotiated.

If it was a criminal drug enterprise, then there is still no legitimate argument for a military solution. But, instead a criminal investigation to arrest or stop the leaders of this group.

But, what if its both. SL is certainly not FARC, but even that conflict has a political (and negotiated) solution. So why not this one?

# Mike says :
14 October, 2008 [ 12:14 ]

Yeeehaaaa. Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb them all!
Violence has always been the best and most efficient way in human history to solve arguments.

# Mike says :
14 October, 2008 [ 13:40 ]

Well, "other Mike", et al: the terrorists seem to think so.  By making them legitimate, you encourage others to do the exact same thing when they are unhappy.

# Mike says :
14 October, 2008 [ 13:42 ]

As far who did the ambush (and others from earlier) - I suspect it is narcotrafficers.  Possibly with training from FARC or SL.

Either way, though, they are criminals, and need to be treated as such.

# Mike says :
14 October, 2008 [ 14:22 ]

Diplomacy is for liberal cowards. We should never ever talk with our enemies.
NO TO PEACE TALKS WORLD WIDE.

# Mark says :
14 October, 2008 [ 19:07 ]

Now there's a progressive, forward thinking 21st century idea for ya eh?

Peace

Mark